Legal and Expansion Lead at Welcome2Africa

Job Overview

The Legal and Expansion Lead will play a crucial role in overseeing W2A’s expansion initiatives while ensuring legal and regulatory compliance across all our entities. This role is instrumental in supporting the CEO, driving business expansion, and engaging with government bodies, regulators, and international stakeholders to support W2A’s ambitious growth agenda. You will also manage and build a high-performing team that aligns with our organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Strategy, Compliance, and Corporate Governance

• Support the design and establishment of the W2A Holdings structure, ensuring full compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Provide strategic legal counsel on business development, contracts, partnerships, and employee benefits, including stock options and bonuses.

Expansion Strategy, Business Development, and Government Relations

• Lead W2A’s expansion into new regions and countries by establishing key partnerships and legal structures.
• Serve as the primary liaison for government and regulatory affairs in Nigeria, Africa, and internationally, ensuring regulatory compliance and advocating for favorable policies.

Team Development and Leadership

• Build and manage a high-performing legal and expansion team, fostering a collaborative environment that supports W2A’s strategic objectives.

Subsidiary Management and Integration

• Provide legal oversight for the integration of W2A’s subsidiaries, including W2A Trade, W2A Connect, W2A Asset Management, and W2A Finance.

Fundraising and Investor Relations

• Collaborate with the CEO on fundraising efforts and investor engagement, providing legal support in negotiations and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Legal Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with W2A’s operations and expansion efforts, developing risk management policies to protect the organization’s interests.

Contract Negotiation and Management

• Lead the drafting, negotiation, and review of contracts with investors, partners, and suppliers, ensuring alignment with W2A’s strategic goals.

Support for Asset Management and Finance

• Provide legal counsel on investment management, trade finance, and microfinance activities, including the W2A Impact Fund and Diaspora Agri-Fund.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) and membership in a recognized legal body. A Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field is an advantage.
• 8+ years of legal experience, particularly in corporate law, international expansion, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven experience in mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, or international business expansion.
• Expertise in investment, trade facilitation, and asset management within African markets.
• Strong track record of managing relationships with government bodies and regulatory authorities in Nigeria and international jurisdictions.
• Excellent negotiation, leadership, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of legal frameworks in the UK, China, Belgium, Malaysia, and Nigeria is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• Health Insurance (HMO)
• Performance-Based Bonuses
• 13th Month Salary
• Stock Options and Bonus Structures

Why Join Us?

• Lead W2A’s expansion into key markets and support high-impact sectors like agribusiness, energy, and solid minerals.
• Play a leadership role in establishing a strong legal, governance, and government relations structure for W2A Holdings.
• Collaborate with international stakeholders and drive sustainable economic development across Africa.